Photographer's Note

OK, here you go. Most of you liked this one on the scrap-book (see workshop on this one). But as you see, there are rather large rain drops on the lens (we got a good drenching) and I think focus was a bit off (through my steaming glasses, not easy to see).

[Upon studying this frame carefully I have come to the conclusion that there was condensation on the top of the front element (UV filter), and part of it got washed off by rain drops. Look at the clear leaves of the tree in the background yet its trunk looks fuzzy. I think a droplet of water had rolled down, clearing up part of the fog on the lens, thus clarifying the leaves. But this has created a rather interesting mystical light effect. I wonder what it would look like were I using color film]

Ah yes, Animesh, mine too, I think this is my preference and am glad you have posted it in a larger version. What stands out here for me is the elegance and grace of both women and the trees--slender and supple, they stand tall in the mud-soaked land of the monsoon. A beautiful, resonant bw...
sasa

Hi Animesh,
At least on this size I can't see anything wrong with focus, and if there are wet spots on the lens, they are not on important areas. A joyful double portrait with plenty of room to breathe. Rainy weather created special ambience.
Kari

YES! The Killer shot, dear friend. What a photo, Animesh - intensely poetic - these noble, beautiful women standing in a gathering puddle in the middle of the monsoon, surrounded by trees. Terrific stuff.
All the best,
Francis

Happy to see you back Animesh, and back from India too which means many many great pictures to look forward to. I agree with everyone that this picture is the on the scrap-book. A time-less image of rural bengal drenched in monsoon. Love the lack of contrast in the trees in the back and how they fade out, the grace of teh two lovely women, and the remarkable blending of the young woman's left hand with her leg that somwahat repeats the lithe forms of the trees. Really beautiful.

Perhaps one of the most understated photographs in your space, or on Trek Earth for that matter...

OK, I am back to your site, and now with a new resolve to attempt to provide some comment...a matter that I had been avoiding for some time now. The reason for this avoidance was actually the gravity, depth, and the import of your photos and their subject...

You present a side of India, which pulls at my heartstrings... this image, I can connect with..

Black and white was the clear choice for this.. those burnt out parts in the sky somehow adding so much to the atmosphere..

They could be sisters.. I just adore the tenderness you have captured. The parallel lines in her leg and the skinny tree trunks.. and the powerfully fragile matriarch standing suitably next to, perhaps the most dominant part of the scene - that all important element of nature which supports them in so many ways.. That bare skin.. almost as bare as their surroundings.. they are in perfect harmony with the place..

I think I spoiled it with my words.. I should have listened to Claire.. I'll just enjoy that silence now instead..